It was a great Divisional Round for New England Patriots fans, who watched as head coach Mike Vrabel & Co. defended homefield and defeated the Houston Texans, 28-16, on Sunday afternoon. New England's defense led the way under interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, with five turnovers vs. the Texans, with four of them being interceptions. With the win, the Patriots advanced to the AFC Conference Championship and are one game from playing in the Super Bowl.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots had some struggles, but were able to do just enough to pull out the win. One wide receiver who wasn't a problem, though, was Kayshon Boutte, who's been one of New England's top playmakers this postseason. After posting four catches for 66 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round, Boutte was back at it again with three receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown against the Texans.
With his latest performance, combined with a solid regular season, the third-year receiver is setting up to be one of the Patriots' biggest offseason priorities.
Potential Kayshon Boutte Extension Must Be on Patriots' Offseason Radar
This past season, Boutte brought in 33 catches for career highs in yards (591) and touchdowns (six). In the playoffs, Boutte has seven catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. Against the Texans, Boutte had the highlight of the game with an unreal touchdown catch, which was the final nail in the Texans' coffin.
Looking forward, the Patriots should look to extend Boutte in the offseason. Though the Patriots have him under contract for next season, it would be a mistake not to extend him — especially if his price is on the rise. When the Patriots have needed him, Boutte has stepped up and has been a solid receiver this season.
Outside of Stefon Diggs, the Patriots' receiving room has some questions. Mack Hollins is getting older, DeMario Douglas had a down year, and Kyle Williams and Efton Chism haven't proven they can be consistent targets. Boutte is also only 23 years old and can continue to improve alongside quarterback Drake Maye, who could take another leap in Year 3 that will benefit all his pass-catchers.
Losing Boutte would also mean you lose out on the Patriots' best jump-ball receiver, which, in games like the Texans game, was needed.
Hopefully, Boutte continues his strong playoff run and continues to show why he should be extended. He's proven to be a difference-maker on the NFL's biggest stage, and continuing to do so in the AFC Championship Game will give the Patriots another reason to put pen to paper.